Thursday 10 May 2012

A 'Swim' in the City

Once upon a time in Arcadia and especially on a Thursday, lady and gentlemen anglers in search of a haven in the City and who did not wish to spin for rats in the River Fleet could take a foot tunnel up from the Underground Railway at Liverpool Street to Ogden Smiths who had been 'Makers of Fine Tackle Since 1763' and had premises in the Royal Exchange at No. 2 and No. 3.

Today, you may still spin for rats in the River Fleet should that be your fancy but if you emerge from the foot tunnels of the Underground Railway at Liverpool Street you are advised that the only haven for anglers in the City now exists not at the Royal Exchange - for Ogden Smiths is long gone - but upon my stall in Spitalfields Antiques Market, where, on Thursdays only I sell Vintage Fishing Tackle for the Soul.